Two Cases where Kampo Medicines Successfully Replaced Psychotropic Drugs
10.3937/kampomed.66.223
- VernacularTitle:向精神薬を漢方薬に移行することが可能であった2症例
- Author:
Toshihiro ISHIKAWA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
psychotropic drug;
benzodiazepine;
Kampo medicine;
neurosis;
alternative therapy
- From:Kampo Medicine
2015;66(3):223-227
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Psychotropic drug dependence, especially with benzodiazepines, is recognized as a growing problem. Several alternative agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been suggested as benzodiazepine replacements. The author here reports two cases with neurosis in which psychotropic drugs were successfully replaced with Kampo medicines such as saikokeishito, saikokeishikankyoto, kihito, kamishoyosan, and saikokaryukotsuboreito. As two patients discontinued benzodiazepines, rebound symptoms arose in one, and the other exhibited withdrawal symptoms and relapsed. These symptoms gradually improved, however, and Kampo medicines were able to contribute toward their complete alleviation. This suggests that Kampo therapy can be an alternative to psychotropic drugs, especially benzodiazepines.
